ST. HELENA AND YOUNTVILLE
For many people, picturing the rustic-yet-refined glamor that is Napa wine country brings to mind the sweet towns of St. Helena and Yountville. These two hamlets are home to some of the region's finest restaurants and wineries, and recent openings will only cement this reputation.
Sinegal Estate: A remarkable property needs a notable winery to match, and this one is home to one of the oldest homes in the region, a large lake teeming with fish and 6,500 square feet of wine caves. Architects at Signum Architecture and designers at Katie Martinez Interior Design created a winery that’s a modern counterpoint to the classic gardens that surround it. The VIP tasting room (at right) shows off the look. One wall is completely covered with geometric paneling that’s a modern take on traditional marquetry. A concrete table and leather-and-wood chairs make up a rustic yet refined place to sip the Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc the winery produces. By appointment only, 2125 Inglewood Ave., St. Helena, sinegalestate.com
Durant & Booth: The Victorian building adjacent to Oakville Grocery has been reborn as a tasting salon whose look is described as “Heritage Hip.” That means a modern building engineered with strong historic references, by celebrated architect Howard Backen. The name is taken from the men who ran the grocery at the turn of the last century, and the trappings — down to the endpaper-like wine labels — recall a classic library. Nine wines are offered, and, yes, you can order bites from Oakville Grocery to complement them. 7856 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena, durantandbooth.com
Atelier by JCB: Jean-Charles Boisset is well-known for bringing a French-luxury point of view to his fine wines. With the opening of his gourmet epicerie, he’s very literally added good taste to the mix. The space is adjacent to his JCB Tasting Salon in Yountville, and it’s all about delicacies — as in, the best spices, foie gras, terrines, charcuterie, mustards, honeys, anchovies and truffles from France, Italy and Spain. 6505 Washington St., Yountville, jcbcollection.com